GCHD offers shot to get flu vaccine

Vaccination clinics offered Thursday and Sept. 25

Grundy County residents are encouraged to take advantage of the Grundy County Health Department’s two upcoming flu vaccination clinics.

The first flu vaccination clinic for children and adults will be from 9 to 11 a.m. and 3:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Grundy County Administration Building, 1320 Union St., Morris.

A second flu vaccination clinic is set for 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Grundy County Administration Building.

No appointments are necessary for either clinic.

Flu vaccine by appointment only is available for adults on Mondays and by appointment for children on scheduled childhood immunization days on Wednesdays.

This year, the health department has high dose flu vaccine for persons 65 years of age and older. This flu vaccine was made just for senior citizens to give them better protection from the flu.

The high dose is covered with a Medicare Part B with no cost to the senior. The cost without Medicare Part B is $50.

The health department also has regular flu vaccine available for adults 19 years of age and older for $25. Medicaid and Medicare Part B also cover the cost of the flu vaccine and will be billed. Bring Medicaid or Medicare card with you to the clinic. The health department does not bill private insurance.

Flu vaccine for children 6 months to 18 years of age is available free through the Vaccine for Children Program. Nasal flu vaccine for

2 to 18 years of age also is available through the VFC program.

To be eligible for the VFC program one of the following must be met: Have Medicaid or All Kids, no insurance or insurance that does not pay for the flu vaccine. The health department asks for a $15 donation, but turns no one away if unable to pay.

People participating must be a Grundy County resident to receive the flu vaccines through the health department.

For information or to make an appointment, please call the nursing secretary from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at (815) 941-3419.